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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-13 EEC AgendaAg enda Energy and Environment Commission City Of E dina, Minnesota VIR TUAL MEE TING This meeting will be held electronically using Webex software.?The meeting will be streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel, YouTube.com/EdinaTV or you can listen to the meeting via telephone by?calling 1-415-655-0001 with Access code: 2451 198 0398. Thur sday, Januar y 13, 2022 7:00 PM I.Ca ll To Ord er II.Roll Ca ll III.Approva l Of Meeting Agenda IV.Approva l Of Meeting Min u tes A.Min u tes: E n ergy and Environ m ent Com m ission Decem ber 9, 2021 V.Special Recogn ition s An d Presentation s A.Edin a Com m unica tions Sta( Presentation VI.Rep orts/Recom m en d ation s A.2021 W P In itia tive #7: Review and Com m en t on ETC reports B.2022 E EC W ork Plan C.2022 W P #2: GBRP 2022 W orking Group Ch arge VII.Cha ir An d Mem ber Com m ents VIII.Sta( Com m ents IX.Adjournm en t The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli4cation, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Date: January 13, 2022 Agenda Item #: I V.A. To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type: Minutes F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager Item Activity: Subject:Minutes : Energy and Environment C ommission December 9, 2021 Ac tion C ITY O F E D IN A 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED: Approve M eeting M inutes from December 9, 2021. I N TR O D U C TI O N: Date: January 13, 2022 Agenda Item #: V.A. To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type: O ther F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager Item Activity: Subject:Edina C ommunications S taff P res entation Disc ussion C ITY O F E D IN A 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED: R eceive presentation from E dina C ommunications D irector, Jennifer Bennerotte, on communications best practices and pathways for E E C initiatives. I N TR O D U C TI O N: AT TAC HME N T S: Description Communications Excerpt from Staff Liaison Handbook Page | 29 MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Purpose. Due to the varying and diverse needs of the boards and commissions, these procedures have been put in place to improve workflow and requests of the Communications Department. Making a request. Staff liaison should alert the assigned Communications liaison as soon as possible; send requests for marketing materials at least one month in advance. Planning for annual events should begin several months in advance. Proofs or drafts. Proofs or drafts will be sent to the staff liaison. Staff liaisons can approve or share the proof with key members of the Board or Commission for approval. It is not recommended that a proof be shared with an entire Board or Commission. This often leads to serial meetings and unwieldy feedback and discussion. If a staff liaison elects to share a proof with key members of the Board or Commission, all feedback must be sent directly to the staff liaison. Feedback is compiled, organized and sent to the Communications liaison by the deadline originally specified in the proof from the Communications Department. Staff liaisons make decisions on content and budget needs; the Communications Department retains the right to make final judgements on edits and content in order to maintain City style and follow brand guidelines. Board or Commission Webpage. The Board or Commission webpage and all subpages should be updated regularly. Development of content and updates to outdated information is the responsibility of the staff liaison. When developing new content, the staff liaison should strive to link to existing online resources rather than recreate content. Work with the Communications liaison when new pages need to be developed. The Communications Department retains the right to make final judgments on edits and content changes. In order to maintain consistency across each board or commission, the Communications Department will make an effort to keep layout, hierarchy and number of pages for each board or commission similar. Communication Options. The following options are offered resources by the Communications Department. All communication and requests coming from board or commission members must be channeled through the staff liaison. The staff liaison then must submit the organized project directives to the Communications Department based on overall project goals and budget. Communication Options Design and Printing • Design event material for board and commissions events. • Posters and quarter-page handouts (Note: Boards and commissions are responsible for hanging posters or finding volunteers to assist with hanging or distribution.) • Postcards • Ads for in-house publications or local newspapers • Additional materials as needed • The Communications Department is best suited to develop postcards, fliers, posters, event artwork and logos, etc. In the rare case where materials are developed by Board or Commission members, such materials must be sent to the staff liaison and then routed to the Communications Department for approval. The Communications Department retains the right to make final judgments on edits and content changes. Page | 30 Social Media • The Communications Department crafts, posts and manages all social media messaging for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor. Information can also be posted to LinkedIn when appropriate. The City can also send or promote messages on Facebook and Instagram by “boosting” the post. This means that we can pay to target certain demographics of people. The cost to do a promoted post will depend on the project and your budget. Press Releases • The Communications Department will work with the staff liaison to identify sources and write the press release. The staff liaison will have an opportunity to review the press release, but the Communications Department retains the right to make final judgements on edits and content changes. Publications • Publications include About Town magazine, published twice a year, and the monthly mailed newsletter, Edition: Edina. The Communications Department will work with the staff liaison to identify sources and write articles that related to the work of a board or commission. • Advertisements can be placed in an Activities Directory as space allows. • Articles or event notices may be written as needed for Edinet or the City of Edina website. Electronic Sign • Requests to use City Hall's electronic sign can be made by filling out the Outdoor Sign Request Form. Videography • The Communications Department has budgeted for the taping of meetings of the City Council, Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Parks & Recreation Commission and Planning Commission. • The news program “Agenda: Edina” covers the major activities of the City Council and its advisory bodies. New programs air on the 1st and 15th of the month on Edina TV. Individual segments are also posted on social media. If you have a story idea, please share it with Communications staff. • The Communications Department produces several public service announcements and informational videos throughout the year as time allows. If you have an idea for such a video, please share it with Communications staff. • If the Communications Department does not plan to cover an event for an “Agenda: Edina” story or other program, but you would still like it taped, please contact the Video Production Coordinator to discuss options. Note that your board or commission could be charged the staff time to cover some events. Text Messaging • The Communications Department can send subscribers text messages about programs, activities and events of boards and commissions. City Extra • City Extra emails should be sent out by staff liaisons regularly. The Communications liaison may be used as a resource for proofing emails as needed. Page | 31 Media Contacts. Can I reach out to the media? •The City handles distribution of press releases. If a board or commission member would like to make additional media requests or pitches to specific media, the staff liaison and Communications Department must be notified. This includes columns and editorials that are attributed as being written by a board or commission member and/or relating to the activities of the board or commission. Staff liaisons should route these requests through the Communications liaison. Who responds to the media requests? •Once the City Council has taken action on a policy, the board or commission should refer media requests to the City Council unless directly asked by the City Council to respond. If a statement is needed from the board or commission, the Chair is typically the representative. What if the media contacts a liaison or board or commission member directly? •Gather information. Don’t respond immediately. Instead say, “I’m sorry, I don’t have the full information regarding that issue. Let me take some basic information and submit your request to the appropriate person who will get back to you as soon as he/she can.” Then, gather the following information: •Media representative’s name and contact information. •Deadline. •Questions they have or focus of the media piece. •Get help. Staff liaisons can help determine who should respond and get board or commission members help from Communications Department staff if needed. All opinions and responses should reflect the official position of the board or commission. What if a board or commission members wants to give a personal opinion? •It is important to determine when a board or commission member is communicating on behalf of the board or commission and when they are stating their own personal opinion. If they are expressing their own opinion about board or commission business (which may be different than the official board or commission position) make sure they identify their opinion as their own, and are not representing the board or commission. Date: January 13, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI.A. To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type: O ther F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager Item Activity: Subject:2021 W P Initiative #7: R eview and C omment on ET C reports Dis cus s ion C ITY O F E D IN A 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED: R eceive report on C ouncil receipt of organized trash information at their 12/21 meeting. R eview, comment and vote on a proposed advisory communication to C ouncil regarding organized trash collection. I N TR O D U C TI O N: AT TAC HME N T S: Description ETC OTC Report Staff OTC Report Proposed EEC Advis ory Communication - OTC Transportation Commission Report on Organized Trash CollectionDecember 21, 2021 Background•2021 work plan initiative;•“Investigate the impacts of organized trash collection while considering travel demand management objectives, environmental goals and reducing wear-and-tear on City streets.”•Reviewed City goals/objectives•Analyzed Quality of Life Survey results•Met with Bloomington and Richfield staff•Reviewed relevant literatureEdinaMN.gov1 Commission Recommendation•ETC believes sufficient evidence to support moving forward with OTC•Recommends that City Council direct staff to create a plan to establish OTC;•Determine staffing/administrative costs•Timeline•Communication plan•EEC also voted in support of the report, provided commentsEdinaMN.gov2 Strategic Objectives•OTC not specifically mentioned in Comp Plan, Living Streets Plan- Briefly mentioned in Climate Action Plan•TDM/Traffic Safety –Reducing garbage trucks not as effective as reducing passenger vehicles•Sustainability/Climate Action –Diverting solid waste to HERC would allow better tracking of tonnage and emissions•Economic Development –May not support small, locally-owned hauling businesses•Equity –Can increase price transparency within communityEdinaMN.gov3 Resident Support26%27%20%27%Excluding Don’t Know ResponsesEdinaMN.gov420%21%15%21%23%Including Don’t Know Responses“To what extent do you support the City changing from the current system in which residents may choose from several different haulers to a system where the City chooses one hauler for the whole community?” Staff Recommendation•Staff does not support Commission recommendation to move forward with OTC at this time•- No specific direction in Comprehensive Plan•- No public consensus•If Council wishes to move forward, it could consider;•- Directing City Manager to study possible revision of Question 31•- Directing City Manager to review staffing levels, administrative costs•- Hosting a community forum on OTCEdinaMN.gov5 December 21. 2021 Mayor and City Council Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner Transportation Commission Report on Organized Trash Collection Background Organized collection is defined as a system for collecting waste in which one hauler or a consortium of haulers are authorized by a local government agency to collect from a defined geographic service area. In the City of Edina, recycling has been organized since 1989 and organics recycling has been organized since 2020. Solid waste collection is not organized; residents and businesses privately contract with one of six licensed haulers. Among the six neighboring cities, only Minnetonka and Eden Prairie also do not participate in organized trash collection. Transportation Commission Recommendation As part of their 2021 work plan, the Transportation Commission investigated the impacts of organized trash collection, specifically related to traffic, the environment and damage to roadways. The Commission reviewed existing City goals and objectives, analyzed the results of the City’s 2021 Quality of Life Survey, met with city staff from Richfield and Bloomington, and reviewed relevant resources prepared by various government and environmental agencies. As stated in their final report, “the Transportation Commission believes that there is sufficient evidence to support moving forward with establishing organized trash collection in Edina and recommends that City Council direct staff to create a plan to establish organized trash collection, including determining staffing/administrative costs, timeline and a communication plan to educate the community and solicit public input.” The Energy and Environment Commission reviewed and commented on a draft version of the report at their September 9 regular meeting and voted in support of it. Strategic Objectives Although organized trash collection is not specifically identified in the Comprehensive Plan, it relates to several objectives across multiple City departments; Travel Demand Management/Traffic Safety – The Commission contends that organizing trash collection would support the City’s travel demand management objectives by reducing traffic on local roadways. The Commission’s report references an intersection study at West Shore Drive and Dunberry Lane, where 50 garbage trucks were observed within a single day. This number included recycling and organics recycling REPORT / RECOMMENDATION Page 2 trucks in addition to garbage trucks, and is not truly representative of the percentage of traffic generated by garbage trucks. The same study found that a higher percentage of traffic was comprised of contractor/delivery/other large vehicles (95 vehicles or 8% of total traffic), and the vast majority (1,055 or 87% of total traffic) was comprised of regular passenger vehicles. While organized trash collection can reduce the number of garbage trucks on the roadways, it would be more effective to reduce the number of regular passenger vehicles (many of which have a single occupant). At this time, the City does not have sufficient evidence to suggest that accident rates are higher among garbage trucks than other vehicles. Sustainability/Climate Action – The Commission report also notes that organized trash collection supports the City’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and objectives in the draft Climate Action Plan (CAP). In the Waste Management chapter, one goal involves decreasing total per capita municipal solid waste handled 5% by 2030. As the Commission notes, Hennepin County currently requires haulers collecting from cities with organized collection to deliver solid waste to the Hennepin Energy Resource Center (HERC) rather than a landfill. This would not only reduce harmful emissions, but would provide the ability to better track tonnage and emissions. It is also worth noting that while the Commission recommends creating a plan to establish organized trash collection, the CAP recommends “exploring options for waste hauling improvements…including modifications to City’s existing licensure process and requirements as well as organized waste hauling strategies”. Economic Development – Locally-operated waste hauling services frequently express opposition to organized trash collection. Among their concerns is a fear of losing business to larger waste hauling businesses. The experiences of other cities provide some basis for this concern, and it is an important factor to consider given the Comprehensive Plan objectives to support locally-owned small businesses. Equity – In the City of Richfield, it was discovered that some residents were paying different rates for the same level of service. This disproportionally impacted residents that were elderly, on a fixed or low income, and those who’s native language was not English. While it is not known if this same problem is occurring in Edina, organizing trash collection may increase equity within the community through price transparency. Resident Support Since 2011, the City has included in its biennial Quality of Life Survey (QLS) questions about garbage collection. Between 2015 and 2021, an average of 87% of respondents gave good or excellent ratings to the quality of current garbage collection in Edina. Additionally, Question 31 asked respondents “to what extent do you support the City changing from the current system in which residents may choose from several different haulers to a system where the City chooses one hauler for the whole community?” Respondents have consistently been evenly divided on this question. In 2021, 53% of respondents (excluding Don’t Know responses) expressed support for a single-hauler system, a slight increase from previous years. REPORT / RECOMMENDATION Page 3 Figure 1 shows the distribution of responses to the same question including the Don’t Know responses. In total, 41% of respondents somewhat or strongly supported a single-hauler system, 36% somewhat or strongly opposed it, and 23% were uncertain of where they stood. This suggests that a significant portion of the community is unclear on what organized collection is or how it could impact them. The City may benefit from engaging in a broader community conversation on the subject, if only to obtain a clearer understanding of the specific questions and concerns residents may have. Procedural Requirements The Commission also noted in their report that the premise of Question 31 is not reflective of the legal process for organizing trash collection. First, the City would have to give notice to the public and all licensed haulers that it is considering adopting organized collection. From there, the City would enter into a negotiation period with the licensed haulers for at least 60 days. The goal of these negotiations is to create a proposal where each hauler is assigned a specific area of the City to collect from while maintaining their respective market share of business. Haulers may opt out from the proposal; the City would then reallocate their customers proportionately to the remaining participating haulers. If an agreement is reached as a result of negotiation, the City must again provide public notice and conduct a public hearing before officially deciding to implement organized collection. In this scenario, the initial agreement must be in effect for seven years. If the City were not to reach an agreement with the licensed haulers, it may form a solid waste collection options committee to study additional methods of solid waste collection. Members of the committee would Strongly Support 20% Somewhat Support 21% Somewhat Oppose 15% Strongly Oppose 21% Don't Know 23% Figure 1. Question 31 Responses from 2021 Quality of Life Survey REPORT / RECOMMENDATION Page 4 be appointed by City Council and their meetings would be subject to open meeting law. The committee would have four primarily duties; 1. Determine which methods of solid waste collection to examine, which must include the existing system, a single-collector system and a multiple-collector system. 2. Establish a list of criteria on which the collection methods selected for examination will be evaluated. 3. Collect information regarding the operation and efficacy of existing methods of organized collection in other cities and towns. 4. Seek input from (at a minimum) City Council, the city official responsible for solid waste issues, licensed haulers and residents. The committee must then issue a report with its findings and recommendations to City Council. Again, the City must provide public notice and conduct at last one public hearing before deciding to implement organized collection. Cities can begin organized collection no sooner than six months after making the official decision. Cities have been met with varying levels of community opposition when attempting to regulate trash collection, including lawsuits in the Cities of St. Paul and Bloomington. Both of these lawsuits related to resident’s ability to petition for a ballot question in a home-rule charter city. Unlike St. Paul and Bloomington, Edina is a statutory city. Staff Recommendation At this time, staff does not support the Transportation Commission’s recommendation to move forward with organized trash collection in Edina. Without consensus from the public, the City’s efforts are better spent on other actions recommended in the Comprehensive Plan and Climate Action Plan related to traffic congestion, sustainability, economic development and equity. However, if Council wishes to move forward, it could consider; • Directing the City Manager to study the possible revision of Question 31 in future Quality of Life Surveys to accurately reflect the legal process for organizing trash collection. • Directing the City Manager to review staffing levels and administrative costs required if organized trash collection were to be implemented. • Hosting a community forum on organized trash collection, including licensed haulers, city staff and subject-matter experts from other cities. Date: Jan 13, 2022 To: Edina City Council From: Energy & Environment Commission, City of Edina Subject: Advisory Communication on Organized Trash Collection (OTC) Action Requested/ Recommendation: 1. Direct the City Attorney to provide clear guidance on the step-by-step process of the MN Statute 115A.94 so Council is clear on OTC next steps. 2. Formally reopen the discussion of ETC's recommendation to “initiate the process” toward Organized Trash Collection with full knowledge of MN Statute 115A.94. Situation: On December 21, 2021, the Transportation Commission (ETC) staff liaison presented to Council a report which carried a recommendation to move forward on Organized Trash Collection (OTC). This process is strictly regulated by MN Statute 115A.94. At no point during the conversation were the requirements of this statute discussed, which substantially confused the issue and prevented substantive consideration of the recommendation. This Advisory Communication provides critical facts that we urge Council to consider in an open forum. Background: If Council moves forward on OTC, it does not blindly jump into an organized system, rather it is required to perform the following procedural steps per MN Statute 115A.94.i 1. Step 1: Elected officials meet with haulers. Discuss road deterioration, public safety, pricing mechanisms, and contractual considerations (Subd 4e full text as endnote)ii 2. Step 2: City and hauler negotiation period. 60-day period of negotiation between City and current licensed haulers, proposal to divide up the city into zones and requirement to allocate to licensed haulers proportionally based on current market share. Market share locked in for 7 years. This can be the end of the process if an agreement is reached, OTC moves forward within 6 months after a public review period. (Subd 4d full text as endnote)iii If 60 days elapse and an agreement is not reached between the City and haulers, Council may form an “options committee” that evaluates and recommends a system. 3. Step 3: Options Committee • Appointed by Council. • Examines the existing system vs an Organized system. • Establishes criteria for evaluating the systems, including costs, service levels, effect on streets, operating costs to the city, providing incentives for waste reduction, impacts on solid waste collectors, and other physical, economic, fiscal, social, environmental, and aesthetic impacts. 2 • Collects information on other OTC programs in adjacent cities. • Seeks input from Council, City staff, licensed haulers, and residents. • Issues a report on its research, findings, and any recommendations to Council. (Subd 4b full text as endnote) iv 4. Step 4: Public Notice, Hearing & Council Vote Council considers report and recommendations. Public notice and at least one public hearing. Decision made, if in favor OTC begins no sooner than 6 months after decision. (Subd 4c full text as endnote)v Assessment: A. The Options Committee is the part of the process that EEC sees as valuable in assessing OTC and its fit for Edina. This transparent committee process would be an excellent, formal way to answers to the questions about whether OTC fits in Edina. B. The recommendation from ETC’s report is to initiate the process. Moving forward on OTC per the statute does not require that the City organize hauling. Moving forward per the statute simply creates lines of communication between haulers and the city and formalizes the process by which information comes to light. C. Most of the questions raised by Council relating to the potential effects of OTC would be answered by Step 1, 2, and 3 above, particularly Step 3 (the Options Committee). The substantial logistics required to roll out OTC correctly to maximize stakeholder value creation effectively require a robust planning process, as defined by Step 3, and in EEC’s opinion it’s appropriate to initiate the OTC process expressly to get to that piece. D. Councilmembers suggested that this issue be sent back to Commissions to perform in-depth reviews of OTC, e.g. conduct hauler conversations, resident engagement, cost-benefit studies on road maintenance, etc. This would be a mistake. Commissions have done what they can do on this issue, and it’s time for Council and Staff to take over. Commissions do not have the access to communications materials, city operations data, or know-how required to adequately assess impacts of OTC in a data-driven way to answer the questions posed by Council. Moreover, volunteer Commissioners do not belong speaking on behalf of the City with haulers during these conversations. E. Step 2 requires hauler market share remain constant and Council / City staff could ensure that stipulation remains in place in subsequent steps, thereby eliminating the concerns of adversely affecting local haulers. F. One Councilmember seemed to be confused if this would affect organics and recycling agreements; OTC would not impact those agreements and only refers to trash. 3 End Notes i EEC suggests that the City Attorney provide input on MN Statute 115A.94; the information in this Advisory Communication is not legal advice, and has not been reviewed by an Attorney. ii (Subd 4e) “Before the exclusive meetings and negotiations under subdivision 4d, participating licensed collectors and elected officials of the city or town must meet and confer regarding waste collection issues, including but not limited to road deterioration, public safety, pricing mechanisms, and contractual considerations unique to organized collection.” iii (Subd 4d) “The city must notify the public and all licensed collectors in the community. The city or town must provide a period of at least 60 days in which meetings and negotiations shall occur exclusively between licensed collectors and the city or town to develop a proposal in which interested licensed collectors, as members of an organization of collectors, collect solid waste from designated sections of the city or town. The proposal shall include identified city or town priorities, including issues related to zone creation, traffic, safety, environmental performance, service provided, and price, and shall reflect existing haulers maintaining their respective market share of business as determined by each hauler's average customer count during the six months prior to the commencement of the exclusive negotiation period. If an existing hauler opts to be excluded from the proposal, the city may allocate their customers proportionally based on market share to the participating collectors who choose to negotiate. The initial organized collection agreement executed under this subdivision must be for seven years. Upon execution of an agreement between the participating licensed collectors and city or town, the city or town shall establish organized collection through appropriate local controls and is not required to fulfill the requirements of subdivisions 4a, 4b, and 4c, except that the governing body must provide the public notification and hearing required under subdivision 4c.” iv (Subd 4b) “(1) determine which methods of solid waste collection to examine, which must include: (i) the existing system of collection; (ii) a system in which a single collector collects solid waste from all sections of a city or town; and (iii) a system in which multiple collectors, either singly or as members of an organization of collectors, collect solid waste from different sections of a city or town;” “(2) establish a list of criteria on which the solid waste collection methods selected for examination will be evaluated, which may include: costs to residential subscribers, impacts on residential subscribers' ability to choose a provider of solid waste service based on the desired level of service, costs and other factors, the impact of miles driven on city streets and alleys and the incremental impact of miles driven by collection vehicles, initial and operating costs to the city of implementing the solid waste collection system, providing incentives for waste reduction, impacts on solid waste collectors, and other physical, economic, fiscal, social, environmental, and aesthetic impacts;” “(3) collect information regarding the operation and efficacy of existing methods of solid waste collection in other cities and towns;” “(4) seek input from, at a minimum: (i) the governing body of the city or town; 4 (ii) the local official of the city or town responsible for solid waste issues; (iii) persons currently licensed to operate solid waste collection and recycling services in the city or town; and (iv) residents of the city or town who currently pay for residential solid waste collection services; and” “(5) issue a report on the committee's research, findings, and any recommendations to the governing body of the city or town.” v (Subd 4c) The governing body of the city or town shall consider the report and recommendations of the solid waste collection options committee. The governing body must provide public notice and hold at least one public hearing before deciding whether to implement organized collection. Organized collection may begin no sooner than six months after the effective date of the decision of the governing body of the city or town to implement organized collection. Date: January 13, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI.B. To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type: O ther F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager Item Activity: Subject:2022 EEC Work P lan Disc ussion C ITY O F E D IN A 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED: R eview 2022 E E C Work P lan initiatives, discuss next steps including commissioner participants and any needs for a working group or sub-committee. I N TR O D U C TI O N: W P #1: Support Natural H abitat (G reenspace and Trees) L ead: H ilda Martinez Discussion only W P #2: G reen Business R ecognition P rogram Lead: M ichelle H oran Action required, see other agenda item W P #3: Multi-family organics recycling program Lead: All Discussion only W P #4: E vent Tabling Lead: B ayardo L anzas Discussion only W P #5: P lastic B ag P olicy Lead: M ichelle H oran Discussion only W P #6: Cities E nvironmental C ommissions Networking Lead: C ory Lukens Discussion only AT TAC HME N T S: Description 2022 EEC Work Plan Approved by City Council December 7, 2021 Commission: Energy and Environment Commission 2022 Annual Work Plan Proposal Initiative # 1 Initiative Type ☒ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☒ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Support Natural Habitat (Greenspace and Trees) Support new ordinance development or the modification of current ones to protect tree canopy and explore the benefit from initiatives like No Mow May that can help expand the green ground coverage on the City. Relates to CAP items GC1-4 & GC2-2 Deliverable Review and recommend to Council on trees, greenspace, pollinators, and more sustainable private lawn management such as water sensor on lawn irrigation systems, bee lawns, pollinator friendly gardens, fall/spring cleanup practices. Leads: Hilda Martinez Support: Michelle Horan, Tom Tessman, Ava Shumway, Suryash Rawat Target Completion Date: Q4 Budget Required: (Completed by staff) Are there funds available for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this initiative. Staff Support Required (Completed by staff): How many hours of support by the staff liaison? Communications / marketing support? Consultation with City Forester. Progress Q1: Progress Q2: Progress Q3: Progress Q4: Approved by City Council December 7, 2021 Initiative # 2 Initiative Type ☐ Project ☒ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒ 4 (Review & Decide) Green Business Recognition Program - Strengthen and bring more business to the Green Business Recognition Program (promotion, outreach, etc.) Deliverable: double the number of businesses participating in Green Business Recognition program Leads: Michelle Horan Support: Cory Lukens, Teri Hovanec, Ukasha Dakane Target Completion Date: Q4 Budget Required: (Completed by staff) Are there funds available for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this initiative. Staff Support Required (Completed by staff): How many hours of support by the staff liaison? Communications / marketing support? Progress Q1: Progress Q2: Progress Q3: Progress Q4: Initiative # 3 Initiative Type ☒ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☒ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Review and comment on recycling and organic multi-family building program. Deliverable: Comment on developed program Leads: All Commissioners Target Completion Date: Q4 Budget Required: (Completed by staff) Are there funds available for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this initiative. Approved by City Council December 7, 2021 Staff Support Required (Completed by staff): How many hours of support by the staff liaison? Communications / marketing support? Partner with Organics Recycling Coordinator Progress Q1: Progress Q2: Progress Q3: Progress Q4: Initiative # 4 Initiative Type ☐ Project ☒ Ongoing / Annual ☒ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒ 4 (Review & Decide) Coordinate and table at City events to educate the community on initiatives by the EEC. Deliverable -Presence at up to 4 City events to include Fourth of July, Open Streets, Arts Fair, and/or Farmers Market. Each EEC member commits to volunteering at least once. Leads: Bayardo Lanzas Support: Hilda Martinez, Suryash Rawat Target Completion Date: Q4 Budget Required: (Completed by staff) Are there funds available for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this initiative. Staff Support Required (Completed by staff): How many hours of support by the staff liaison? Communications / marketing support? Progress Q1: Progress Q2: Progress Q3: Progress Q4: Approved by City Council December 7, 2021 Initiative # 5 Initiative Type ☒ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☐ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☒ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☐ 4 (Review & Decide) Initiative Title: Plastic Bag Policy - Revise and update 2017 report on possible recommendations for a plastic bag ordinance. Deliverable: updated report with recommendation. Leads: Michelle Horan Support: Cory Lukens, Tom Tessman, Ava Shumway, Ukasha Dakane Target Completion Date: Q4 Budget Required: (Completed by staff) Are there funds available for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this initiative. Staff Support Required (Completed by staff): How many hours of support by the staff liaison? Communications / marketing support? Progress Q1: Progress Q2: Progress Q3: Progress Q4: Approved by City Council December 7, 2021 Initiative # 6 Initiative Type ☐ Project ☐ Ongoing / Annual ☒ Event Council Charge ☐ 1 (Study & Report) ☐ 2 (Review & Comment) ☐ 3 (Review & Recommend) ☒ 4 (Review & Decide) Host 1-2 networking meetings with metro cities environmental commissions Deliverable: 1-2 meetings Leads: Cory Lukens Support: John Haugen, Tom Tessman, Suryash Rawat Target Completion Date: Q4 Budget Required: (Completed by staff) Are there funds available for this project? If there are not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this initiative. Staff Support Required (Completed by staff): How many hours of support by the staff liaison? Communications / marketing support? Progress Q1: Progress Q2: Progress Q3: Progress Q4: Parking Lot: (These items have been considered by the BC, but not proposed as part of this year’s work plan. If the BC decides they would like to work on them in the current year, it would need to be approved by Council.) St. Louis Park inspired Rainwater Rewards Program Date: January 13, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI.C . To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type: O ther F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager Item Activity: Subject:2022 W P #2: G BR P 2022 Working G roup C harge Information C ITY O F E D IN A 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED: R eceive information on updated Green B usiness Recognition P rogram working group charge, which must be updated and re-posted annually. I N TR O D U C TI O N: AT TAC HME N T S: Description GBRP 2022 Working Group Charge City of Edina – Volunteer Service Description Service Title: Green Business Volunteer Department: Energy & Environment Commission Supervisor(s): Grace Hancock, Sustainability Coordinator Service Location: various Purpose: Conduct outreach with Edina businesses to promote Green Business Recognition Program (GBRP), recruit new business participation, and check in with participating businesses. The City of Edina has just passed a Climate Action Plan (CAP). In order to meet the objectives within the CAP and help mitigate the impacts of climate change, the City must involve businesses. The GBRP is a tool to engage the business sector on the environment and the CAP. It is a means for the City to cele- brate Edina businesses for making a positive impact on the environment, as well as provide businesses with ideas and resources to become more sustainable. The GBRP application lists various sustainable actions a business can take, and each action has a point value. By taking the total acquired points and meeting the minimum requirement, a business can be recognized as being a "green business” and be par- ticipants in the Edina Climate Action Plan. Population Served: Businesses Time Commitment: Varies. Once per month meetings and or business outreach. Minimum Length: Ongoing. Can be event-based (1-4 hour commitment) or time-based (1 year com- mitment) Qualifications/Desired Skills: Interest in helping the City’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emis- sions and support other sustainability goals. Interest/ability to talk with business owners about GBRP, explaining program requirements and benefits. Service Duties: Duties generally fall into three main categories; • Recruit new businesses: Identify list of Edina businesses who do not currently participate in GBRP, reach out to business owner to describe program and invite participation o Can be completed in person or remote via phone/email • Business support volunteer: Assist businesses as they complete a GBRP application; check in with participating businesses at least annually or as directed by EEC representative o Can be completed in person or remote via phone/email • Business recognition volunteer: Visit participating businesses to check on decal placement, answer in-person questions o Should be completed annually in person Outcomes/Learning Opportunities: Volunteers have the chance to better get to know Edina’s busi- ness community, and act as green ambassadors to this group. Volunteers will learn more about building energy efficiency and sustainability in the commercial sector. Volunteers will be the main vehicle for outreach of the program in the community and can share valuable insights with the EEC on a regular ba- sis. On-boarding: Every volunteer apply and interview. Training Requirements: Every volunteer will be required to attend volunteer orientation (currently virtual). Page | 2 Supervisory Plan: EEC member will support City staff in recruiting and training volunteers Edina residents have stated that the environment matters to them and should be made a priority by the City. The GBRP will allow residents to make purchases with businesses that reflect that value. The GBRP can also be a tool for the City to further reach out to businesses about the environment, and the important role business plays in reaching the City's sustainability goals.